Martin Luther King Jr. used many rhetoric devices within his speech to reach his audience on a different level.
He also used Logos, Pathos, and Ethos to better communicate the meaning behind his speech.
Metaphor:
“flames of withering injustice”
“sunlit path of racial justice”
“chains of discrimination”
These figures of speech help in exemplifying a positive or negative connotation with certain points MLK is making.
Allusion:
“Five score years ago, a great American…signed the Emancipation Proclamation”
“unalienable Rights” of “Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness”
These allusions bring up the point that based on our nation’s past actions and foundations, black men should be free.
Anaphora:
“Now is the time”
“I have a dream”
“Let freedom ring”
The repetition of these words helps to establish a rhythm that allows the words to sink into the minds of the audience.It produces an emotional effect that connects the audience with the speaker.
Personification:
“this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed”
“We have also come to this hallowed spot to remind America…”
This is used to address the population of America as a whole and make them seem as one, all united.It also refers to how America is corrupt in not following the freedom that it stands for.
Other Devices:
Kenning
“architects of our republic” for founding fathers
Antithesis
“Nineteen sixty-three is not an end, but a beginning.”
Anastrophe
“From every mountainside, let freedom ring.”
Logos-Appeals to Logic:
“For many of our white brothers, as evidenced by their presence here today, have come to realize that their destiny is tied up with our destiny.”
“We can never be satisfied as long as our children are stripped of their self-hood and dignity by a sign stating: For Whites Only”
Pathos-Appeal to audience’s emotions:
“And some of you have come from areas where your quest—quest for freedom left you battered by the storms of persecution”
“One day…little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers.”
Mentions “God”
Ethos-Appeal to the speaker’s credibility
Marin Luther King Jr. was a respected Civil Rights leader and speaker.
He himself had been subjected to racism and oppression because of the color of his skin.
Class Themes: ·Mending the country for our future generations; ·-The idea of a better tomorrow. Has more of an emotional impact upon the audience when talking about future generations. ·The impact a positive outlook can have not only upon a single individual but upon an entire nation.
-It is shown through this speech that one person truly can change the world. ·The quest for unity ·Fighting against oppression and discrimination ·We cannot be the “United” States of America if we are not actually “United.” ·The never ending struggle for a greater, “common good.” ·Loving someone because of their actions and intentions rather than for the color of their skin. ·Looking past superficial ideas ·Overall Martin Luther King’s, “I Have a Dream,” speech paralleled many ideas that had been portrayed throughout the Puritan unit. Puritans’ wanted to be like, “a city on a hill,” looked upon with respect and envy. Puritans wanted to be a prime example of "God's followers," and wanted others to emulate their actions. King wanted to be a role model and help change the world for the better as well, both Puritans and MLK focused upon a better future that depended upon an encouraging, inspiring philosophy.
“I Have a Dream;” Martin Luther King Quiz 1.) What is Martin Luther King’s main purpose for speaking out? What leads him to make this decision? 2.) What was said about King’s children? 3.) Was repetition evident throughout the speech? Give an example if you agree or if you disagree explain why. 4.) What was the purpose in King’s quoting, “The Bible,” and “The Emancipation Proclamation?” 5.) Where did the speech take place?
Rhetoric in Speech Powerpoint:
**MLK Project.ppt**
Summary and Historical Background, SPAM
Rhetoric in “I have a dream” speech:
Metaphor:
Allusion:
Anaphora:
Personification:
Other Devices:
Logos-Appeals to Logic:
Pathos-Appeal to audience’s emotions:
Ethos-Appeal to the speaker’s credibility
Class Themes:
· Mending the country for our future generations;
· -The idea of a better tomorrow. Has more of an emotional impact upon the audience when talking about future generations.
· The impact a positive outlook can have not only upon a single individual but upon an entire nation.
-It is shown through this speech that one person truly can change the world.
· The quest for unity
· Fighting against oppression and discrimination
· We cannot be the “United” States of America if we are not actually “United.”
· The never ending struggle for a greater, “common good.”
· Loving someone because of their actions and intentions rather than for the color of their skin.
· Looking past superficial ideas
· Overall Martin Luther King’s, “I Have a Dream,” speech paralleled many ideas that had been portrayed throughout the Puritan unit. Puritans’ wanted to be like, “a city on a hill,” looked upon with respect and envy. Puritans wanted to be a prime example of "God's followers," and wanted others to emulate their actions. King wanted to be a role model and help change the world for the better as well, both Puritans and MLK focused upon a better future that depended upon an encouraging, inspiring philosophy.
“I Have a Dream;”
Martin Luther King
Quiz
1.) What is Martin Luther King’s main purpose for speaking out? What leads
him to make this decision?
2.) What was said about King’s children?
3.) Was repetition evident throughout the speech? Give an example if you agree or if you disagree explain why.
4.) What was the purpose in King’s quoting, “The Bible,” and “The Emancipation Proclamation?”
5.) Where did the speech take place?